The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson with a third-round pick because they saw game-breaking potential. But potential doesn’t mean much when you’re riding the bench behind solid but unspectacular veterans.
With Jaylen Warren entrenched as the starter and Kenneth Gainwell locked into the passing-down role, Johnson finds himself in the familiar spot every rookie dreads: watching from the sideline while convinced he belongs on the field.
Kaleb Johnson Is RB3 on Steelers’ Depth Chart
The Steelers have Warren listed as the starting running back on their Week 1 depth chart. Gainwell, who was brought in through an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, is in the second spot, and Johnson is in the third position.
Here is the full Steelers Week 1 depth chart. https://t.co/1cCauDYpW6 pic.twitter.com/Jo5GnHJX9n
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 2, 2025
This announcement came out just days before the season opener. Warren brings versatility as a pass-catching back with proven speed, and his two-year extension from a few days ago demonstrates the team’s confidence in his immediate value. Meanwhile, Gainwell’s background as a reliable receiver out of the backfield adds another dimension to Pittsburgh’s offensive plans.
However, the rookie development timeline might be more about fundamental skills than raw talent. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo shared his concerns about Johnson’s NFL readiness while on 93.7 The Fan, stating, “There’s no way the Steelers are going to trust Kaleb Johnson to pass protect or catch the ball out of the backfield.”
Throughout the 2025 preseason, Johnson’s performances told a complex story. In the final exhibition game, he remained positioned as the RB3, with Warren handling starting duties and Gainwell taking third-down snaps, as reported by fantasy analyst Sal Vetri.
Johnson accumulated 94 yards on 24 carries across the exhibition slate, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. While those numbers appear modest, they included flashes of the college explosiveness that made him an attractive draft pick. His preseason work showed both promise and the growing pains typical for rookies adjusting to professional football.
Earlier in training camp, Johnson impressed coaches with his physicality during Latrobe practices. Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex revealed on “The Snap Count” podcast that there were “hidden concerns” about Johnson’s adjustment to NFL speed, but praised his potential based on camp performances.
The speed of the professional game became a recurring theme for the rookie. Steelers Now reported that Johnson acknowledged the league’s pace after a preseason game where he managed 20 yards on eight carries and caught one pass for six yards, saying, “Everything’s faster.”
Despite the adjustment challenges, Johnson expressed confidence in his abilities and desire for increased opportunities. He told Aaron Becker of Steelers Now, “I’m a very high-volume carry runner,” indicating his belief that more touches would demonstrate his improvement during games.
How Does Johnson Fit Into the Steelers’ Long-Term Backfield Plans?
The roster construction reflects general manager Omar Khan’s strategy of blending veteran stability with rookie potential. After Najee Harris departed in free agency following a disappointing 2024 campaign where he averaged just 4.0 yards per carry, the Steelers pivoted toward a committee approach rather than investing heavily in another established starter.
Pittsburgh’s commitment to strong ground games dates back decades, from the Franco Harris era through Le’Veon Bell’s all-around effectiveness. Harris, drafted in the first round in 2021, served as the primary workhorse from 2021 to 2024, but his declining production led to this strategic shift. Warren emerged as a key contributor in 2024, particularly in the passing game with 38 receptions.
The current depth chart represents head coach Mike Tomlin’s philosophy of mixing experienced players with promising rookies. Tomlin also tends to give his rookies time to develop before handing them the reins. Warren provides immediate production, Gainwell offers veteran reliability, and Johnson brings the youth and power element for the future.
Pre-draft analysis suggested patience would be required for Johnson’s development. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda predicted that Johnson “could see plenty of carries early on and work his way up the depth chart,” forecasting a gradual ascent rather than an immediate takeover.
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: #Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson isn’t expected to be a week one starter, but could see plenty of carries early on and work his way up the depth chart, says @TonyPauline
“Though he may not be a starter Week 1, expect [Kaleb] Johnson to get a lot of carries early… pic.twitter.com/wQExk1BMOS
— JPA (@jasrifootball) August 5, 2025
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller identified Johnson as an “under-the-radar” prospect, stating, “Johnson, a third-round pick, is the type of downhill power runner the Steelers love. At 224 pounds, he packs a punch with runaway speed to boot,” and predicted he would eventually surpass Warren due to his natural talent.
Similarly, Matt Bowen highlighted Johnson’s scheme fit, noting, “He had 21 rushes of 20 or more yards last season at Iowa… He will share the backfield with Jaylen Warren, but earning the early-down volume can push him into the flex ranks.”
ESPN’s Matt Bowen on Steelers rookie RB Kaleb Johnson for 2025: “At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds with straight-line acceleration and vision, the rookie fits the outside zone scheme in Pittsburgh. He had 21 rushes of 20 or more yards last season at Iowa, the second most in the country…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 1, 2025
While the current depth chart places him third, Johnson’s trajectory suggests opportunities will come. His college production and draft pedigree indicate the Steelers view him as more than depth, at least as a rookie. The key becomes mastering pass protection and receiving skills, typical developmental hurdles for rookie running backs. FantasyPros projects him as the eventual primary early-down back, potentially filling the role Harris vacated.
The patience required for Johnson’s development reflects the modern NFL reality: even talented rookies need time to adjust to professional speed and complexity. His path forward depends on how quickly he addresses the fundamental concerns while maintaining the explosive ability that made him attractive on draft day.
